In a recent article by Palestinian Bassam Tawil in the Gatestone Institute, the author argues that the Biden-Harris administration must apologize to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel itself for its previous demands against a military operation in Rafah, Gaza.
Tawil highlights that Netanyahu's decision to proceed with the operation led to significant successes against Hamas, including the elimination of its leader, Yahya Sinwar.
Earlier in the year, the Biden administration repeatedly pressured Israel against entering Rafah, where many Hamas leaders were reportedly hiding. Despite this pressure, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a counterterrorism offensive on October 7, 2023, aimed at dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities and rescuing hostages. The IDF's actions resulted in the death of Sinwar and hundreds of other Hamas militants, demonstrating the effectiveness of the operation.
Tawil notes that Biden’s administration had threatened to limit military support if Israel proceeded with its plans, with officials like National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressing strong opposition to the invasion. Despite these warnings, the IDF successfully destroyed Hamas tunnels and infrastructure, leading to a significant weakening of the terrorist organization.
The article concludes that Netanyahu's defiance of U.S. pressure has made the Middle East a safer place. Tawil asserts that the Biden administration should now reconsider its foreign policy approach and extend an apology to Netanyahu for undermining his efforts to combat terrorism and enhance regional stability.